Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s as charming to look at as it is delicious, then you’re in the right place. I absolutely adore sharing this Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe because it captures the cozy spirit of fall with every bite. These little pies are perfect for Halloween parties, cozy afternoons, or just when you want to impress your friends with something truly special. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find it’s both surprisingly simple and outrageously tasty.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a vital role in the success of your Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe. The pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice bring that signature autumn flavor, while puff pastry gives you flaky, buttery layers without any fuss. Be sure to pick good quality puff pastry sheets—trust me, it makes a huge difference.

• Puff pastry sheets: Keep them slightly frozen until just pliable for easier rolling and cutting.
• Pumpkin puree: Use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for better control over the spices and sweetness.
• Eggs: One whole egg for the filling, plus one egg yolk for the egg wash to give that perfect golden color.
• Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that balances the pumpkin’s earthy flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Used in the topping for a nice caramelized crunch.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The magic mix that includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves; you can make your own blend for freshness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm fall flavors.
• Salt: Just a pinch to bring everything together.
• Half and half: This keeps the filling creamy and perfectly smooth.

Variations

I love that this Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe is so versatile. Sometimes I switch up the filling or add a little extra flair to make it my own—feel free to get creative here, too!

• Spiced up with chili: For a little kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to your pumpkin filling—I did this once and got rave reviews from the adventurous eaters in my family.
• Vegan swap: Use a plant-based puff pastry and swap the egg wash for almond milk brushed on top, and you’re good to go.
• Sweet twist: Mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted caramel on top after baking for an indulgent dessert option.
• Savory pumpkin: Skip the sugars and pumpkin pie spice, add some feta cheese and rosemary for a savory hand pie take.

How to Make Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pastry and Oven

If you’re using frozen puff pastry sheets, start by letting them sit out for about 30 to 40 minutes until they’re thawed enough to be pliable but still cold. This helps keep the butter layers intact, so your pies puff up beautifully. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F. This temperature gives you a perfectly golden crust without overcooking the filling.

Step 2: Mix Your Sugary Spice Blend and Pumpkin Filling

In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar with one teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice—this will get sprinkled on top at the end for some extra crunch and flavor. Then, whisk together the pumpkin puree, whole egg, brown sugar, another teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, salt, and half and half in a larger bowl until smooth. This filling is where all the cozy fall flavors come alive, so taste it if you can resist—sometimes I sneak a spoonful!

Step 3: Roll and Cut Out Your Jack O’ Lantern Shapes

Roll out each puff pastry sheet until it’s about 13 inches long—this size fits nicely for cutting three rows of pumpkins. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 24 shapes total. Place half on baking sheets lined with parchment paper—these will be your pie bases. Next, carefully cut out Jack O’ Lantern faces in the remaining 12 pumpkins using a small sharp knife. Don’t worry if your faces aren’t perfect; that adds charm! Roll these Jack O’ Lantern tops just a bit with your rolling pin so they’re slightly larger than the bottom pieces, which helps them seal neatly.

Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies

Using a tablespoon, spoon the pumpkin filling onto the center of each pie base. Then, wet your finger with water and gently brush the edges of the bottom pastry—this acts like glue. Place the Jack O’ Lantern top over the filling, carefully lining up the edges, and press gently to seal. Take your time here; a good seal keeps the filling inside where it belongs. It’s like giving your pumpkin pie a little hug.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

Whisk the egg yolk with a tablespoon of water to create your egg wash, then brush it over the tops of each pie. Now sprinkle with your sugar and pumpkin spice mixture for a lightly caramelized, spicy finish. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until the pies puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown. The smell alone is worth the wait—prepare yourself for compliments!

How to Serve Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. Sometimes I add a small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup to make it extra indulgent. These touches highlight the pumpkin’s natural sweetness without overpowering it.

Side Dishes

These hand pies are pretty filling on their own, but when we serve them at get-togethers, I like pairing them with a simple spiced chai latte or a hot apple cider—it really complements those pumpkin spice vibes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween parties, I arrange the pies on a black slate tray surrounded by autumn leaves and tiny votive candles for ambiance. Another fun idea is to stick little candy corn “stems” on the tops using a dab of melted chocolate—it’s a simple way to amp up the cuteness factor and impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature if we’re eating them within a day. For longer storage, refrigeration is better to keep the filling fresh, but the crust may lose some of its crispness.

Freezing

You can freeze these pies either before baking or after. I’ve had great success freezing the assembled pies on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just pop them in a hot oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

I reheat leftover pies in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes to refresh the crispness. Microwave works in a pinch but tends to make the crust a little soggy, so I avoid it if I can.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to turn simple ingredients into a festive showstopper. These pies bring a little magic to any fall celebration, whether you’re baking with kids or just craving some pumpkin goodness. I hope you have as much fun making and eating them as I do—go ahead, give it a try and watch everyone’s faces light up when you pull these beauties out of the oven!

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